Athletics News

Boise State University announced Tuesday that Curt Apsey has been named the university's new Athletic Director.

Apsey returns to Idaho after nearly a year as the Athletic Director of Carroll College in Helena, Mont., but he has a long history here at Boise State. He was Boise State's Senior Associate Athletic Director for 16 years, as well as interim director for the final months of 2011.

"I couldn't be more excited to be home," Apsey said. "Looking at the high level of performance across all sports on the field and in the classroom, it is clear that Boise State Athletics has never had a more promising future. I look forward to working with our coaches, student-athletes, athletics leadership team and the university in continuing to build one of the most admired programs in the country."

While at Boise State, Apsey's responsibilities included management of the external fundraising efforts, working closely with Executive Director of the Bronco Athletic Association. He oversaw media relations and sports information, marketing and promotions, the Athletic Ticket Office and Stueckle Sky Center Special Events Center. He supervised several sports, including Football, Women's Soccer and Men's and Women's Golf.

"Curt is one of the main reasons Boise State University has achieved the incredible athletics success it has enjoyed for more than a decade," Boise State University President Bob Kustra said. "He understands how we got to where we are today, and knows where this university needs to go in the future. I know that our coaches, players, fans and supporters will be as glad as I am that he is back."

Apsey's contract was approved Tuesday by Boise State's trustees on the State Board of Education. It largely is the same as his predecessor's, with a base salary of $331,500 plus a series of incentives that kick in if the university earns a high academic progress rate (APR); posts student-athlete grade-point averages over 3.0; ranks highly in the National Association of Directors of Collegiate Athletics Director's Cup; or achieves on-field milestones like winning certain conference championships, reaching post-season play or playing in a bowl game.

Apsey's former colleagues were quick to welcome him back.

"Our motto as a program has been to Embrace the Past and Attack the Future," Boise State Football Head Coach Bryan Harsin said. "Having been here for 16 years previously, Curt is a guy that understands that. He's been here when we've have had tremendous success, he understands the Bronco way and it is great to have him back with the Boise State family."

"I am beyond thrilled about the hiring of Curt Apsey for a number of reasons," Boise State Women's Golf Head Coach Nicole Bird said. "I think it's great to bring back someone who understands our culture and who was so instrumental in a number of major changes for Boise State Athletics. Having had Curt as my sport supervisor previously, I know the high standards he held me and my program to both athletically and academically. I know he will have those same expectations now for every sport."

"I'm excited for us to get Curt back," Boise State Men's Basketball Coach Leon Rice said. "He was a big part of me coming here five years ago. He understands this place and we're very fortunate to have a guy like Curt to turn to."

Apsey is finishing a successful academic year with Carroll College that saw the
Fighting Saints capture the Frontier Conference's Bandy Memorial All-Sports Trophy, winning conference championships in both football and men's cross country.

In addition to the outright league title, Carroll's football team earned the No. 1 seed in the NAIA Football Championship Series, advancing to the quarterfinals. The men's and women's cross country teams each finished in the top 10 at the NAIA National Championships -- the highest finishes in program history -- and the women's basketball team advanced to the NAIA Division I Championship.

Apsey oversaw the first men's soccer and softball seasons in Carroll College history.

Of the department's 15 programs, 14 recorded grade-point averages above 3.0, and the nearly 400 student-athletes combined for a department GPA of 3.24.

In his time at Boise State, Apsey worked with both corporate and individual donors to make long-lasting improvements to Boise State athletics and athletics facilities.

Before arriving at Boise State, Apsey served as Assistant Director of Athletics at California State University -- San Bernardino for four years. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director of Development at Cal State -- Bakersfield from 1990 to 1994.

Apsey earned a degree in physical education from Cal Poly in 1988. He was a four-year starter for men's soccer where he set the school's career record for most goals scored and served as assistant coach for six years. He and his wife Teresa have two children, Sofia and Madison.

Apsey is set to begin at Boise State on Aug. 1. Until then, Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Relations John Cunningham will be the interim director.